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Scientists have discovered genetic variants that increase the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in research that they hope could lead to a better understanding of the disease.
ADHD is thought to affect about 2.5% of adults and about 5% of children worldwide. Concerns have been expressed that the neurodevelopmental disorder is under-diagnosed and under-treated in the UK.
"We know that it is highly hereditary," said Professor Anders Børglum, co-author of the research, Aahus University in Denmark. "Of all the causes that can lead to ADHD, genetic factors account for 70% to 80%."
However, researchers say that it has been difficult to find specific genetic variants related to ADHD. Børglum explained that it was because many genes were involved in the disease, each slightly increasing the risk.
Today, by badyzing the genomes of more than 55,000 people, more than 20,000 of whom have been diagnosed with ADHD, Børglum and a large international group of researchers say they have identified 12 specific regions of the genome where modifications increase the risk of ADHD.
"We are extremely excited about these results … we have been looking for it for centuries," said Børglum.
He added that changes in the discovered regions accounted for less than 1% of the genetic risk badociated with the disease. "These 12 regions are just the tip of the iceberg," he said, noting that there are probably thousands more to discover.
The team said the findings could help better understand the biological mechanisms of ADHD and develop new drugs.
The team's work, published in Nature Genetics, corroborates earlier studies that a more general pattern of genetic variants more commonly seen in people with ADHD was similar to that seen in people with other conditions. including depression and insomnia.
The researchers say that the study supports the idea that ADHD is an "extreme expression" of the character traits found throughout the population.
Michelle Beckett, Executive Director of the ADHD Action Association, said the results of the new study were interesting and could lead to a better understanding of the biology of the disease.
But she said that diagnosing ADHD on the basis of newly discovered genetic variants would be misguided, as it was unclear that all people diagnosed with ADHD would have it.
"We have only officially diagnosed ADHD at the top of the iceberg, and it is very likely that further research on genes will reveal other variations that could also be responsible," she said.
Børglum said the study could contribute to the destigmatization of the disease and the guilt and blame of parents often faced when their child has ADHD.
While some have already argued that the discovery of a biological basis for conditions such as ADHD might not help reduce stigma, Beckett said the new findings could have a positive effect in showing that the disease is real.
"ADHD faces incredible stigma, discrimination and denial" and was often seen as an excuse for poor behavior, despite the impact that this condition could have on education, health and work. 'an individual,' said Beckett. "This [study] almost gives us validation, if you like, in the eyes of people on the street and also the popular press. "
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